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Western Australia to host Junior Gold Cup finals

Western Australia’s junior Rugby players have proved that are some of Australia’s best after both sides have made the Junior Gold Cup (JGC) final after a successful campaign.

Western Australia will host both the Under 15s and Under 17s JGC grand finals at University of Western Australia Rugby Club, this Sunday 29 March when they take on the ACT in both age groups.

The Under 17s Western Australian side will be aiming to defend their inaugural JGC victory in 2014, potentially becoming the first side to defend their title.

The ACT defeated a promising Victorian side in Canberra on Sunday 41-22 in the Under 15s and 28-24 in the Under 17s to claim the Southern Conference title and earn the right to compete in the grand final.

In the northern conference Western Australia defeated Brisbane Pink 33-0 in the Under 17s and 18-14 in the Under 15s.

The Junior Gold Cup is the first step in the Australian Rugby Union’s Pathway to Gold Program. The program is a part of the ARU’s elite Pathways structures set up to create the next generation of Qantas Wallabies, Super Rugby players and Sevens stars.

This year’s competition saw 1200 kids participate in the competition with referees, managers and coaches also gaining more experience at a higher level of competition.

The national competition has 24 centers from all across Australia competing across the two age groups to make 48 teams.

ARU General Manager Pathways and Performance Ben Whitaker congratulated all teams for their efforts in 2015.

“On behalf of the Australian Rugby Union I’d like to congratulate all sides for their efforts in the Junior Gold Cup in 2015.

“To the ACT and Western Australian sides we wish you the best of luck for the Grand Final and trust you enjoy the experience.

“I especially acknowledge the support of the team management and the parents and supporters contributing to the opportunities presented to all players participating in the grand final.

The matches will take place at UWA Rugby Club, UWA Sports Park, McGillivray Rd, Mt Claremont with the Under 15s kicking off at 2.30pm (AWST) with the Under 17s kicking off at 4.30pm (AWST).